17.04.2024
Installation support
Step-by-step guide to installing a circulating pump
Unboxing the Wilo-Stratos PICO pump
Before attempting to install, it is critical that all components are accounted for. Inside the Wilo-Stratos PICO box there should be the pump itself with a pre-made insulation shell, two washers, and a quick-connect plug tool. There is also a quick-start manual with a QR code on the instructions, pump and front of the box that takes installers to Wilo’s website for more information about the pump.
The pump is available in 15 variants with two port-to-port measurements: 130mm or 180mm. Also coming with 1”, 1.5”, and 2” connections, the range is available in several performance duties from four metres to eight metres head. Stratos PICO pumps are appropriate for light commercial applications and domestic installations including renewables applications. All Wilo pumps are CE marked and are approved and tested in line with the current regulations as standard.
Step one – Drain and isolate the system
Critical to a successful circulation pumping installation is correct draining down of the system. Installers need to either isolate or drain down the pump using the valves to make sure water isn’t flowing through the system or an existing pump.
Then, installers should make sure electrical isolation has safely taken place before attempting to replace or install a central heating pump. A volt stick is the most basic piece of equipment that can be used for this. If there is no power, take the fuse out, or lock the isolator if applicable, and continue with the installation.
Step two – Install and fill
Once the existing pump has been demounted, installers can move onto mounting the new pump to the property’s pipework. Before fitting, installers can prepare the washers where the pump connects to the pipework by applying a small amount of silicone grease for ease. This reduces snagging and more importantly, allows for an easy removal in the future.
Making sure the orientation of the head is correct is the next crucial step. When fitting, installers should change the pump orientation by undoing the retaining bolts and spinning the head, but not removing it completely as this could potentially damage the seals. Then just refit and tighten the securing bolts once the head is in correct orientation.
Make sure that the pump head is not upside down, as this could lead to water ingress within the electrical connector. Consideration should also be given to the orientation of the pump to ensure it keeps itself lubricated and prevents trapped air collecting. Wilo advises against installing a small circulating pump on its back as this will restrict water flow around the pump, leading to overheating or a noisy operation, voiding the warranty in the process.
Before tightening make sure the pump casting (*or volute) is in the correct orientation by checking if the flow arrow is pointing in the direction of flow. If not, unscrew the pump assembly and turn it around to face the correct direction. Once done, it’s now time to tighten up the pump by using a spanner or grips to make sure it is suitably secured on the pipework.
Step three – Prepare the wiring
Thanks to a tool-free installation, wiring the Stratos PICO is simple. Simply strip the cable, feed it through the cover and grommet, pull the levers down, insert each wire into the relevant terminal, and then push the levers up to lock them into position. When the cable has been installed, put the cover over with the levers pointing backwards until you hear a click.
Thanks to a tool-free installation, wiring the Stratos PICO is simple. Simply strip the cable, feed it through the cover and grommet, pull the levers down, insert each wire into the relevant terminal, and then push the levers up to lock them into position. When the cable has been installed, put the cover over with the levers pointing backwards until you hear a click.
Step four – Setup and commissioning
After the wiring is complete, the pump can be activated, and once the pump activates, you will be asked to select your chosen language from the menu. After selecting, you can let the Dynamic Adapt Plus setting do its job – a simple ‘fit and forget’.
This means that once the pump is turned on, the system will do the heavy lifting and work out exactly what setting the pump needs for power, flow, speed, and performance by automatically adapting to the heating system’s needs. If installers prefer to set the pump up manually, this can also be done by following the menu options on the pump’s display. As revealed below, the pump can also be set up by utilising Bluetooth connectivity – a particularly handy feature if access is restricted.
Step five (optional) – Bluetooth module installation, and Wilo-Assistant App set up
For installers that want to be able to monitor the pump on their mobile device, the Stratos-PICO can be supplied with a Smart Connect Bluetooth module. This optional extra allows installers to connect to the pump via Wilo’s Smart Connect feature, and means installers can monitor the pump, and other smart Wilo pumps they have installed, straight from the Wilo-Assistant app.
To install the Bluetooth module, simply take a small electrical screwdriver and pop the lugs out of the protective plastic cover from the top of the Stratos PICO pump. Insert the Bluetooth module onto the top of the unit and lock it in place by pushing the lugs back in. The Bluetooth module is now fitted, and the pump is now ready to connect to the Wilo-Assistant app.
When starting the app, installers will need to sign in before being taken to the setup page. To connect the pump via Bluetooth, simply tap the Bluetooth symbol and the Stratos PICO will identify itself. After selecting the pump, a blue flashing light on the pump will signal connection. Installers should then enter the pin display on the pump which will pair the pump over Bluetooth. The monitoring section of the app will provide installers with live data including measurements of the pump head and flow rate, how much power is being consumed and the estimated consumption of kilowatt-hours.
The Stratos PICO also has the option for connecting a BMS module in order to allow further monitoring or control via the BMS system. What’s more, installers can also add their details to the pump, allowing a customer to easily contact them in the event of a fault, or when servicing is required.
Other features available in the Wilo-Assistant app include:
- A geo-locate feature which allows installers to monitor live data and performance remotely and if available, connect the pump to the property’s building management system (BMS)
- A pump replacement guide which allows you to quickly and easily find the pump you need for a job
Documentation for the Wilo pump range is also stored in the app, which installers may find useful to have to hand for insight into installation guides, common faults, fault codes and subsequent solutions.